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Gravel Road Suspension Recommendations

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by bigd9247, Nov 13, 2013.

  1. Nov 13, 2013 at 2:21 PM
    #1
    bigd9247

    bigd9247 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2013
    Member:
    #97383
    Messages:
    155
    Gender:
    Male
    WA
    Vehicle:
    2024 TRD ORP, 2018 F150
    I have a 2012 DCSB TRD off road that currently has a 3" Toytec spacer lift in the front and 1.5" AAL in the rear. I knew the toytec lift would preload my suspension and make the ride stiff, but it was a cheap way to get my truck lifted and I figured that since I spend 90% of my time on the road it wouldn't matter.

    Now I don't do any hardcore wheeling with my truck, but the offroading that I do is all driving up gravel logging roads (forest service roads). Keep in mind I can only drive about 15-30mph on these roads because I live in WA and we have lots of sharp corners :D

    After lots of research on here, I've come to realize that I need more down travel in my suspension and less preload. The only way I can see to get it is to lower my truck down to to around 1.5"-1.75" of lift or get some extended travel coilovers like the Icons with new upper control arms. This would be fine, but I'm running 285/65r18 tires and I doubt they will clear without at least 2.5" of lift.

    So what are my options for a suspension that will ride well over potholes and washboard at around 15-30mph? I've heard the Icons work best at higher speeds (50+ mph???).
    Will upper control arms make a difference with the suspension I have now? I don't think it will because the strut is probably already near the max of it's extension.
     
  2. Nov 14, 2013 at 10:23 PM
    #2
    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2009
    Member:
    #25918
    Messages:
    3,422
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    08 TRD 4x4
    Icon/All Pro.....chopped for 35's
    Icons for that my friend.....in terrain like that high speed is anything over 15-20mph really. 50+ is LT status and the rest of the truck couldn't handle those speeds even if the coilovers could.

    I had a spacer lift, then Toytec ULT, then upgraded to Icons as 15mph was as fast as I could go on pitted, pot holed and washed out roads (even with the toytecs). The Icons get smoother the faster you go too.
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2013

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